Shaadu Maati Emerges as Eco-Friendly Alternative to PoP Ganesh Idols

In June 2025, the Bombay High Court allowed the manufacture and sale of Ganesh idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP) but restricted their immersion in natural water bodies after Ganeshotsav due to their environmental risk. This ruling has provided yet another reason for devotees concerned about the environment to search for eco-friendly alternatives, such as shaadu maati idols.

Shaadu maati, a natural clayey soil mined in Gujarat, has emerged as a conscious person's alternative to PoP over the last two decades. Unlike PoP, which is not naturally occurring and can last for years, shaadu maati is moisture-absorbent and disintegrates immediately when immersed in water, aligning with the temporary nature of Ganesh idols. Additionally, shaadu maati idols are receptive to mineral or vegetable pigments, which are a better option than the toxic chemical paints used on PoP idols.

While shaadu maati is a more sustainable choice, experts have also highlighted the ecological issues in shifting this resource from Gujarat to Maharashtra. The transportation of shaadu maati has a carbon cost, and its immersion in rivers can disrupt the natural ecosystem by blocking the interaction between surface water and groundwater. To address these concerns, campaigns like Punaravartan have been collecting the clay sludge after immersion and providing it back to artisans to create new idols, thereby conserving this non-renewable resource and protecting the water bodies.